His scathing comments, made at a press conference in the Parliament lobby this morning, were the latest salvo in an increasingly acrimonious war of words between the former prime minister and the government.

While the Umno supreme council - the ruling party’s highest decision-making body - did not discuss the sacking of Mahathir from the party at its meeting last week, Nazri said he would like to see the ex-PM leaving the party himself.

“If he wants to leave party, we won’t stop him. If he remains in the party, he is acting like the opposition. It’s better for him to be a jantan (real man) and leave the party, become the opposition. Then it’s also easier for me to attack him. Now if I want to fight with him, I will hesitate because he is the ex-PM,” said Nazri in a heated 45-minute press conference.

“What for an 81-year-old man quarreling with a 31-year-old deputy Umno Youth chief? Ridiculous, he has stooped so low. He should pick someone his own size.”

Mahathir had on Saturday attempted to drag Khairy into his dispute with his handpicked successor, Abdullah, over a number of decisions which he has taken issues with.

“I can’t accept the fact that just because he is angry with one young individual, he is prepared to burn the whole party. He is not a rookie politician, he is a seasoned politician,” said Nazri, who declared 'an open war' with Mahathir.

Jun 14, 2006

Extracted from Sun2SurfPUTRAJAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar today (July 13, 2006) denied rumours that he and his family have any interest in the sale of sand to Singapore.

"I have never in my life depended on whatever interest in any companies, whether sand or anything else," he said when asked to comment on rumours, especially on the Internet, that he and his family have interests in the comapny that sells sand to Singapore.

"I don't live my life with sand and I hope people will not put sand in my life," he quipped.

Asked again whether the rumour was true, Syed Hamid said : "Why (do) you (reporters) react to rumours? Anything can go on the Internet, but I think we must realise that in the main stream media you must have the facts to prove.

"I would love to have lots of money but I must make sure it is legitimate," he said, adding that whatever money he makes is legitimate and "does not involve anything illegal or corrupt, so that I can live peacefully".

He was spoke to reporters after receiving a cheque for RM1.7 million from the Information Ministry for the earthquake victims in Yogyakrata. The cheque was presented by Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Recently, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had questioned why the government scrapped the construction of a proposed bridge to link Johor to Singapore.

The government answered saying the decision was made based on the wishes of the people, especially Johoreans, who are against sand being sold to Singapore or to allow the republic to use Malaysian air space.

Mahathir, however, countered that these isses had never been raised during bilateral discussions with Singapore.

As to whether the cabinet at its weekly meeting yesterday(July 12, 2006) discussed declassifying the documents concerning Malaysia and Singapore's talks on the scenic bridge, Syed Hamid said when the time comes, a press conference will be held.

"We hope to be consistent in our open policy of disclosing what we need to disclose all those things that are relevant, without compromising government and national interest or our security, for the ability of government to function."

He said the government would explain the actual situation and it is up to the people to make the decision, on what is right and wrong.